As an introduction to the social life in and around the area, we decided to take a 'pub crawl' around all our 'old haunts'. What an eye-opener that proved to be!

Our first port of call was "The Rat Pit" in Morningside. (Ask yer dad about that one.)

Well, where on earth was it situated again? Sure, we succeeded in locating 'Chapel Road' but there was absolutely no sign of the once frequented public house, not even a rubble pile! Morningside must surely have mourned the demise of their one and only night spot. Never mind we will try Newmains.

Arriving at the roundabout, we are pleasantly surprised to discover "The Kilt" once more restored to its former glory. This seemed as good a place as any to begin our, 'how to be sociable', research. The following results were concluded:

2pm, Thursday, raining as usual. By now we were soaked. "The Kilt" looked warm and inviting. Its recent facelift creates a mixture of both traditional and modern style family pubs. Inside was friendly and cheerful with, thankfully, the same familiar faces behind the bar. We were instantly relieved and felt quite at home in these surroundings. A light refreshment was certainly appreciated whilst we viewed the lunch menu. Baguettes sounded a great idea for a quick snack. Low and behold…there was nothing 'ette' about that lunch. In the past, a filled baguette, to us, had meant a small, filled finger roll. We were served with what can only be described as a delicious, satisfying meal. The fresh bread BIGette (and mark my words, it was big) was overflowing with our selected fillings, the side salad was crisp and service was excellent. We chatted away quite easily with Billy, the proprietor, and left feeling satisfied that our trip down memory lane was going to be a huge success. Apart from that, we still had change out of a 'tenner'. Now that's what we call value!

Proceeding on our merry way, we observed the survival of the "Four Ways" and then decided to make a quick visit into the "Pine Lodge". Gosh! Were we surprised! Certainly, you could 'fill up' in liquid form…. if you were a car or a lorry! Because now, on that very same spot, there stands a service station complete with car wash, cash dispenser machine and shop. The attendants were polite and helpful but a little bewildered by our request for a small whisky and a lager shandy.

Here we go again. Let's just keep on this road and have a wee half at the "Bellside Inn". We remembered being there in 1983 whilst on a sponsored 'walk' to help raise funds for charity. We were frequent visitors for a spell, afterwards.

"Bellside Inn" info………yes, it IS still standing and IS still open to the public!

Managing to find the extra time and, by now, effort we resumed our trail of our local meeting points (of the past), this time en route to Cambusnethan. Let's stop for a quick resume at the "New Day", seeing as we are passing in that general direction. Not again! "Why, of course your house looks lovely sir, and your neighbours for that matter, but what became of the pub? Any idea as to the whereabouts of that old pool table? No? OK, thanks for your help, cheerio the now."

In despair, we decided to about-turn and jump on the next number 56 bus to Shotts. My! The embarrassment of it all! It's not our fault if they change the bus numbers, nor is it our fault if the modern technology of, 'where the heck do we put our money to get on the flaming bus' bewilders us. It's been a long time! Last time we went by bus (as opposed to walking, I might add) wee Andy's mum was the 'clippie'. Come to think of it, an automated ticket dispenser, hmm...quite a nifty bit of equipment once you get used to the idea. I'm sure there must have been hundreds of red faces on the buses when that system began.

Recognising the village of Allanton, (just) we decide to alight there and pay a quick visit to "J.J.'s". This was a real nightspot! It was a recent conversion from the old Allanton Masonic Hall. "J.J.'s" had been host to many of the parties we had attended in the past. They even had carpets in those days, really posh, colour co-ordinated, monogrammed ones too.

Alas, "I'm sorry madam, your house is absolutely stunning, has it really been that long? Did you know there's a herd of horses in the car park? Oh, you did! Well, nice meeting you, thankyou for your time".

Rather despondent, we drag our weary legs to the "Damside Inn". They are bound to have the fire kindled and a few trout in the pan. Might even get a cheese and pickle toasty if we aren't too late. In the past, these were served as delicacies around the time we, at our age, now call breakfast. Hooray! A pub from our past…and it's still standing. Let's go. Just the one mind, for auld lang syne.

Suppose whilst we have travelled this far we may as well make the planned trip up to Shotts. The "Mucky Duck", with its techni-coloured glass dance floor was always a popular place. Many of our old school pals met up there on an almost daily basis; indeed, some met their future partners in that very place. This pub really brought back memories. I remembered when Peeky was the D.J., the night that Elvis Costello was the main attraction, local band Shorocco performed live on Crackerjack, another local band, "Hazzard" released their single, "Snake in the Grass" and round about that same time "H2O" had played in concert at Calderhead High School. This was going to be great! Can anyone remember exactly WHY we called this pub, "The Billie"? A friend remembers something about a butcher on the ground floor...?

"Well, I never"! Where had the big ugly duckling on the sign gone? "Sorry to have bothered you gents, we are sure these flats will look fantastic when they are finished. Any idea where one can buy a drink about here?"

As a last resort, and just for old time's sake, we trundled up the road to make our final visit of the day. I'm sure "Rana's Nightspot" would be open for business by now. My, did we have the time of our lives that New Year with all the dancing and the loud music. New Wave described the musical style of that time. Phil Oakey look-a-likes everywhere.

Well? Surprise, surprise, you got it! No "Rana's"! "Is that a school over there?" Let's call it a day and go home…via the Prison Club of course…just to say hello to some of the folks we hadn't seen in years. (No, not the in-mates!) OK, so that failed too. A glimmer of hope returned as we realised it may not be too late for last orders at the Murdostoun Bar and Grill, (except, in our days it was called the Pit Stop.)

Returning to Newmains by taxi, we head for our last chance of the evening for reminiscing. "Hey, they've moved the doors and built a carpark"... "Oh, it's changed its name again"... "No it hasn't, it's been converted into an Indian Restaurant".

To our relief, the "Cafe Shabab" was licensed and was still selling takeaway. Maybe a curry would help. Maybe even an evening meal this weekend, we can always resume our 'how to be sociable' research next week.

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